Steamboat Springs under a red flag warning today

Steamboat Springs  Steamboat Springs and Routt County are under a red flag warning today because of anticipated strong winds, low humidity, high temperatures and an abundance of dry fuels throughout the region.

The warning issued by the National Weather Service means “critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.”

The bulletin indicates that any fires will be difficult to control this afternoon and will spread quickly and easily. A chance of isolated thunderstorms this afternoon and evening could start new fires, according to the National Weather Service.

The red flag warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. today. Today’s forecast high temperature is 83 degrees. West and southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph will increase to 15 and 20 mph later in the day. The overnight low will drop to 37 degrees.

A cold front moves into the region tonight, and Wednesday’s high will reach only 63 degrees. There’s a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms tomorrow. Thursday’s high is forecast at 62 degrees under mostly cloudy skies before a return to warmer weather Friday and into the Memorial Day weekend.